Page 120 of Mikoto and the Reaver Village
“I’ll know if it’s important. I’ll know if it’s related.”
Salali pushed a second crystal into Sinder’s hand like hewas bartering for secrets. “Why?”
“Because Twineshaft tells me things.” And it was important forthis person to know it.
“Things? Oreverything?” With a low chuckle, thesquirrel clansman made an impressive leap. “You’re his stash. Smart.”
FORTY-THREE
Lights Out
Lilya held Kyrie’s hand all the way back from movienight. They’d been treated to back-to-back episodes ofDare Together,with hints that special guests would be arriving the following weekend. Rampantspeculation pointed toward a visit from Caleb and Josheb Dare … or any numberof the cryptids they were so famous for tracking down.
It was long past curfew, but the event wasn’t quite over. Allthe lights had been switched off, making everyone’s trek back to their cabin afinal hurdle. Growls and yelps and nervous laughter came from all sides. Olderteens in ward colors lofted crystals, while battlers formed ranks around theyounger kids in their cabins.
After all that spooky cryptid footage, every thin howl andslinking shadow took on an aura of menace.
“They are only teasing,” murmured Kyrie.
Lilya tightened her grip on his hand. “Can you see?”
“Quite well. Do you want more light?”
Tempting as that might be, she shook her head. “That wouldonly expose our location.”
Kyrie pulled her into the shelter of the shrubs alongsidethe path. Up on tiptoe, he whispered in her ear. “We should go the long wayaround.”
“Danger?” she breathed, placing her hand over his heart.Partly to show she trusted him, partly to see how fast it was beating.
“They are only teasing,” he repeated. “Trust me.”
Even though she was taller now, Kyrie was still many timesstronger, so he didn’t so much as stagger when Lilya climbed onto his back andtucked up her long legs. Once her arms folded around his shoulders, he carriedher away. And with every giddying leap and swerve through the trees, she triedto stifle her giggles.
“Are we winning?” she whispered.
“I am good at these games.”
“Who’s chasing us?”
“Four dogs, two rabbits, and a monkey,” he reported smugly. Kyriereached back and touched her hair. “You are especially bright tonight.”
“Am I?”
“Did something happen? Something pleasing?”
“I hope so.” She prodded his side. “I’ll tell you once we’reunder covers.”
And just like that Kyrie was done playing games. With morespeed than he usually displayed, his turned his darting course toward Zisa, neatlysetting Lilya on Waaseyaa’s doorstep before his dark hair had time to settleabout his shoulders.
They changed for bed and nestled under the embroideredcoverlet in the guest room, Gregor and Rifflet between them.
“I like this blanket,” whispered Kyrie. “It hums.”
She thought he might be right. But the tapestry in Glint’soffice had been more distinct.
He found her hand, then found her soul, which took longerthan it used to. Papka’s and Argent’s new seal gave him trouble, but Kyrie wasKyrie. Eventually, a low melody thrummed against her senses, and she smiled.
“It’s like a lullaby,” she whispered.
